The big thing in notebooks right now are netbooks. They're cheap, more than powerful enough for day-to-day tasks, and small enough to actually carry around without anyone even noticing you're carrying one (not a bad thing in some parts of the world). However, they also receive a lot of criticism, such as cramped keyboards and displays that are too small. So, at Kaiwai's suggestion, here's a question for you all: how do you use your netbook?

I finally outgrew the capabilities of my DELL Axim X51v PDA, and decided a netbook would be a more capable (and cheaper) replacement. I went with the ASUS EeePC 901 XP (some of my apps just don't run under Linux). The 9" screen is more than adequate, and the keyboard, though tight, is quite useable.

The applications I leave up all the time are Mozilla Thunderbird/Lightning tied to Google Gmail/Calendar, Skype, and Windows Live Sync (I love being able to share files on the fly between home, work and the netbook). In addition, I run Google Chrome as my primary browser, Foxit and Tomeraider for reading e-Books, VLC and Winamp for my media needs, and various GPS mapping/navigation programs. I also have a collection of scientific/engineering programs, and some board games ... backgammon, chess, Go.

All in all, I have been very impressed with this platform. I am not looking for it to be a desktop or laptop replacement. But, for on-the-go connectivity, entertainment and some productivity applications, it has really worked well.

With the AC adapter, GPS, external hard drive, earbuds and various cables/adapters, it all fits very nicely in a Caselogic XNTM-1 Slim Line eSling. There is still enough room to add my cell phone, wallet, keys, passport and tickets/boarding pass, so for airline travel, this is wonderful.